"And why does not monsieur drink with us?" he demanded in a harsh voice, thrusting his face toward Chester. "Can it be that you are spies?"
"No," said Chester, taking a step backward; "we are not spies. We are British officers, and we drank your toast in water. We do not drink wine."
"British officers!" repeated the Frenchman. "Then how comes it that you wear the uniforms of French lieutenants?"
"That," replied Chester quietly, "is none of your business."
"None of my business!" echoed the Frenchman. "Mon Dieu! And what if I make it some of my business, eh?"
"If I were you," said Chester, "I wouldn't think of such a thing."
The Frenchman took a step backward at the menace in the lad's tone; but the other French officers now gathered about, and these reënforcements apparently lent him courage.
"So!" he exclaimed. "It is that we are not good enough to drink with you, eh?"
"No," replied Chester; "we simply don't drink. That is all. We appreciate your courtesy in thinking of us, and we drank your toast in water, which is the strongest drink we ever touch."
Hal, who up to this time had remained silent in his chair, now rose to his feet.